Road trip to Key West?

[RoadKingTrooper]

Looking at running down from Georgia to Key West. I plan on taking Hwy 1 instead of I-95, anything to watch out for or be aware of?
Thanks in advance RKT

[truck]

I haven't done it but I'm sure you will run into lots of traffic lights.
Take 95 around the urban areas and 1 in the country.

[70weight]

You would be OK on US 1 until you Get to West Palm Beach and from then on it is all city traffic down to Miami.
I would  catch SR 80 west out of West Palm and take it to Hwy 27 South. 27 will take you into Forida City and Homestead. In Homestead you get on A1A and go through the keys. You could also hop on the Turnpike in Jupiter or West Palm an it will also take you to Homestead.

[ULTRADOG]

i wouldnt do 1 past palm bch do the turnpike or you will have to learn 3 diffrent tongues to speak if you get off the beatin path and thats not hard to do down there i know thats another country some nice senery but if you dont watch it its not worth it

[HDFAT2001]

Definately get off 1 befor Palm Beach County and take the Turnpike.  It dumps you right in Homestead.  BTW take Card Sound Road onto Key Largo and make a stop at Alambama Jack's, best Conch Fritters Ever!!!

[WVULTRA]

Excellent write-up on traveling the Keys!

http://www.themaj.com/rides/keys/index.htm

[Evo160K]

Here's a second for Card Sound Road, really good road, no traffic and beautiful country. When you get down to the deer area and see the signs to slow down, be sure you do, it's one expensive ticket if you don't.

[RoadKingTrooper]

Thanks for the responses!  Just trying now to come up with a DOD LOL
RKT

[Dennis The Menace]

Scott, I am no help, since I travelled Hwy 1 in the late 80's in GA, and as I recall it wasnt that bad but lots of popo lurking, especially in the woods.  But, as a retired LEO, I am sure you know the deal.  The traffic was kind of heavy on the weekends, and I suspect is much worse now.

Maybe this helps, maybe not.  Have a safe trip either way, and post pics.

BTW, thanks for your sevice as a LEO.

Dennis

[Maj]

I don't know how much time you have to kill but an occasional trek east over to A1A in the less populated areas would be more scenic. A1A between Melbourne and Stuart is not too congested and pretty scenic. To prevent any confusion, US 1 is the highway through the Keys not A1A.

[nibroc]

yeah, A1A at least to daytona--don't be in a hurry--take pics   

[Tollbooth]

 We flew to Fla. and rented a ultra near Sarasota. Noticed lots of bad drivers with white hair. But being only 1 bike, the OL and I just watch these idiots. They turn left from the right lane. Put the turn signal on then jump in the next lane without looking. Could go on with examples but no point.
While on 41 Alligator alley, 1 lane each way. About 6 cars in opposite lane. The last car (A real s**t box) decides to pass and enter my lane . The driver had to see this Ultra with all those light on in the daytime. Think they pulled back in line? NO WAY just kept coming head on! I had to drive on the 2 ft. rumble strip to avoid the head on. The car passed with the throttle still open. Never even let up.The driver could not have cared less. What is a biker to do? You don't want to throw a rock in a gun carry state?
Not trying to bum out your trip. Just be aware. Don't relax not even on a highway with very few entrances or exits.
We will never forget that trip. Please be careful of other drivers.
DUI is 2 days in jail before you can post bond. Friend found out years back
Thanks for putting up with my rant.
Tollbooth

[kymike]

Traffic will be much easier to negotiate if your going into and out of the Keys on a weekday.

[hdzcar]

This is a good site to get you in the mood. (not mine)
http://www.themaj.com/rides/keys/index.htm

Me and 3 other guys did the Key West trip leaving from St Augustine in Sept.  Tried to do most A1A or 1 but had to get on 95 to get through Miami.
There sure are a bunch of traffic lights.  Find a room in Key West where you can walk to Duval St.  Parking sux in Key West.

[Tollbooth]

 When in Key West stay at the converted weather station. It was the real deal but is a nice place to stay these days. Park the bike no worries because it's in a gated community. Walk to sunset wharf, have a cold one. Walk to Duval St, have many more. Walk home. Sure is easy without traffic and moving the bike each time.
It cost a little more but worth the piece of mind.
TB

[hardonthemerch]

"Definately get off 1 befor Palm Beach County and take the Turnpike.  It dumps you right in Homestead.  BTW take Card Sound Road onto Key Largo and make a stop at Alambama Jack's, best Conch Fritters Ever!!!"


That guy said it - I took that advice last yr from a guy from the old board and was the tits fer sure.

[randallwhitman]

The weekday traffic between Palm Beach and Homestead (S. Miami) will be a bear.  Weekend traffic is much lighter, but the traffic to the Keys on Saturday mornings can be a little heavy, but still better than going through the mess on a weekday.  As for Miami......the best thing about Miami is that it's so close to the United States.  Randy   

[GlockRocket34]

Don't try heading South toward Key West on US1 between  3-4 p.m. !!!!
How do I know? Got behind a school bus in Marathon and stayed stuck behind it all the way to Key West, including every kid stop. We were ready for some serious margaritas by that time!
Be sure to get your picture of you and the bike at THE Southernmost Point in the USA! Its`a FL badge of honor.
Oh, and enjoy the ride! Its a lifetime memory.

Jeff    GlockRocket34

[jambo]

Definitely A1A from St augstine to Daytona great ride

[kickstart]

Jeez I rode from Cocoa to Key West using US 1 and A1A all the way
I sure don't remember there being very many traffic lights.
Oh yeah , that was in 66.
I suppose there are a few more now

[ULTRADOG]

before turning onto cardsound rd there is the last chance bar what a place good people and cold beer and another vote here for alabama jacks

[randallwhitman]

Another idea (which I've done many times on a bike): Go to the extreme southeast corner of Georgia and enter Florida by taking the ferry across the St. Johns River which is north of Jacksonville, FL.  Then take the coast road all the way to Daytona.  I think the coast road goes inland for a short way in the St. Augustine area.  It's a beautiful run.  South of Daytona it's best to use I-95.  I hope you're not doing this after May 15th.

[Mark222]

Not sure where you are starting in GA, but if anywhere near ALT try 19 South down toward Tampa, (Good road, little traffic, some small towns to break it up a little) then cut over to 27 and head south.  If you have the time, run down and stay at the place on the lake in Sebring (one hard days ride out of ATL, but a decent place and decent people, worth the push)  Then head down to Everglades City the next day, nice place time has forgotten. Rod and Reel Cub there is a unique place for lunch, its been there forever. Then make the nice hiway run across old 41 through the glades and make camp for the night at the edge of Dade county at the Mikisukee casino and hotel.  They have a great breakfast, and pull out about 9 am and you will head straight south on 997 (I think) through the veggie farms and end up in Homestead / US1. Card Sound saves a little time and then enjoy the ride into KW. 

Will be 6 of us heading out on 3-18 this year for our annual run, we stay at a old hotel on Duval, $125 per room. We meet up in Atl (Duluth) since we all are scattered about these days (NJ, IL, OH, NC, VA and GA), but run to KW every spring.